EP0613544B1

EP0613544B1 - Improved triple effect absorption cycle apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP0613544B1
Application number: EP93900676A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Uwe Rockenfeller; Paul Sarkisian
Original assignee: Rocky Research Corp
Current assignee: Rocky Research Corp
Priority date: 1991-11-27
Filing date: 1992-11-24
Publication date: 2000-01-19
Anticipated expiration: 2012-11-24
Also published as: CZ128494A3; DE69230588D1; CA2121789A1; DE69230588T2; USRE36283E; MX9206780A; WO1993011393A1; CN1065617C; EP0613544A1; ES2144453T3; CA2121789C; JP3040475B2; JPH07501611A; US5335515A; CN1076017A; KR0174288B1; ATE189052T1; AU3226393A

Abstract

The basic apparatus of the invention is a triple effect absorption cycle apparatus, comprising first, second and third generators each containing an aqueous absorption fluid and operating at successively higher temperatures; first, second and third condensers operating at successively higher temperatures, and operatively communicating with the generators; first heat exchange means cooperating between the third condenser and second generator, and between the second condenser and first generator, for directing energy therebetween; one, two or three absorbers and one, two or three fluid loops for directing aqueous absorption fluid between absorbers and second heat exchange means for exchanging energy between aqueous absorption fluid flows in said loops; and one, two or three evaporators operatively communicating with the absorbers. The includes preferred aqueous absorption fluids, a heat and mass transfer additive in the absorption fluid, means for separating the additive before the fluid reaches the high temperature generator, a heat and mass transfer additive reservoir, and a number of different absorption fluid loop options for routing the fluid between the absorber(s) and the three generators.

Description

Concerns about the environmental impact of fluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons on the environment call for expanded uses of environmentally sound refrigerants, such as water or ammonia. For commercial chiller applications in the capacity range of 15-10,000 refrigeration tons with little heating requirements, water is usually the preferred refrigerant due to its non-flammable and benign nature.
Aqueous absorption fluid cycles taking advantage of such refrigerants have been known and used for many decades. Single effect and various two-stage designs are commercially used in many countries. However, the increasing concern about the overall CO₂ generation in the process of converting fossil fuels into energy used for air conditioning or refrigeration calls for higher energy conversion efficiencies than currently obtained with single stage (COP = 0.6 to 0.8) or two-stage (COP = 0.9 to 1.25) absorption equipment.
U.S. Patent No. 4,732,008 teaches the use of two single stage cycles coupled to achieve three refrigeration effects. The independent loops carry different absorption fluids with the lower stage using fluids such as aqueous LiBr solutions. However, the needed upper stage fluid crystallisation and vapour pressure suppression properties require the use of a different fluid. Performance estimates lead to COPs of 1.5 to 1.7 if suitable upper stage fluids are used.
We acknowledge that US-A-4,551,991 discloses a triple-effect absorption cycle refrigerator with three generators containing aqueous absorption fluid and operating at successively higher temperatures; a condenser for vapour-phase refrigerant; an absorber communicating with the generators; and an evaporator communicating with the absorber. Also, US-A-3,742,728 discloses the combination of a multiple generator with either one or four absorbers.
The present invention is apparatus as defined in Claim 1.
Such apparatus can have three refrigeration effects in which either a single aqueous absorption fluid or two or three different absorbents or different absorbent concentrations with a single refrigerant, i.e. water, are used throughout the system. Thus, because such a single refrigerant, water, is used as the refrigerant or working fluid solvent throughout the system, regardless of the stage, the invention offers a substantial improvement over prior art triple effect systems which rely solely on heat transfer coupling of three heat exchangers with no common mass flows. The apparatus and systems of the invention can result in COPs similar to those used in the aforesaid two single stage cycle triple effect apparatus. However, because peak operating temperatures are lower than in such a dual loop system, the temperature lift and fluid crystallisation requirements of the fluid composition in the third stage generator are reduced. These as well as other advantages of the apparatus in the system will be evident in the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
Fig. 1 shows a conventional double effect absorption cycle phase diagram of the type typically resulting from an aqueous LiBr absorption working fluid;
Fig. 2 shows a triple effect absorption cycle phase diagram according to one embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a phase diagram of a system embodying the invention incorporating three evaporators operating with three absorbers;
Fig. 4 shows another phase diagram according to an embodiment of the invention using a different routing for the working fluid through the three generators;
Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of a three generator, three absorber system configuration embodying the invention using three separate absorption fluid loops;
Fig. 6 schematically illustrates another system embodying the invention incorporating three generators and three absorbers with a single absorption fluid loop;
Figs. 7 - 10 schematically illustrate different embodiments of three generator, one absorber system configurations of the invention;
Figs. 11 and 12 schematically illustrate examples of three generator, two absorber system embodiments of the invention.
As previously noted, Fig. 1 shows a conventional double effect absorption cycle using a typical aqueous LiBr working fluid solution. Condenser beat generated by condensing water vapor from the high temperature generator G_H is used to drive the lower stage generator G_L, which in turn releases water vapor which is condensed with conventional cooling means, such as evaporative condensers, cooling towers or air coolers. The firing temperature FT is typically between about 149°C-193°C (300°F-380°F), the absorber temperature A is typically between about 27°C-43°C (80°-110°F), evaporator temperature between about 4°C-7°C (40°F-45°F), and low temperature condenser C_L is between about 27°C-43°C (80-110°F).
A phase diagram of a triple effect absorption cycle of the invention is illustrated in Fig. 2. The cycle shown illustrates three generators, high temperature, medium temperature, and low temperature, G₃, G₂, and G₁, respectively, and high, medium, and low temperature condensers, C₃, C₂, C₁, respectively. Firing temperatures FT are typically between about 204°C and 271°C (400°F and 520°F), and minimally between about 199°C and 216°C (390°F and 420°F). A schematic illustration of an apparatus of the invention having such an absorption cycle is illustrated in Fig. 8. In such an apparatus, a high temperature, third stage generator G₃ is used to generate water vapor of sufficient pressure and temperature to condense water refrigerant such that the heat of condensation can be used to drive the medium stage generator G₂, which in turn generates vapor to be condensed at sufficient temperature to drive the lower, first stage generator G₁, which in turn generates refrigerant vapor which is condensed with conventional cooling and heat rejection means. The heat exchange between condenser C₃ and generator G₂ can be achieved with phase change heat transfer using an appropriate phase change heat transfer fluid capable of operating in the approximate temperature range of 149°C to 204°C (300°F to 400°F). Alternatively, a pumped loop of heat exchange fluid for sensible heat transfer may be used. Similarly, heat exchange between condenser C₂ and generator G₁ may be achieved with either a phase change heat transfer in the approximate temperature range of about 66°C and 135°C (150°F and 275°F) or by a pumped loop for a heat exchange fluid. The aforesaid temperature ranges are approximate, and will depend on the thermal load on the equipment, as well as ambient reject temperatures which change during The day as well as the season. Typical reject temperature equipment designs are in the range of 32°C to 35°C (90°F to 95°F) for water cooled equipment, and approximately 14 deg C (25°F) higher for air cooled systems.
Because a single refrigerant, water, is used in the aqueous absorption fluids of the invention, there is provided a substantial number of different apparatus configurations, using different absorption fluid loop options as are illustrated in the apparatus examples of Figs. 5 - 11. Fig. 5 illustrates schematically an apparatus embodiment of the invention incorporating three absorber-generator pairs and using three separate aqueous absorption loops between each pair. Thus, fluid loop 11 directs aqueous absorption fluid between first stage absorber 14 (A₁) and generator 12 (G₁), loop 21 between second stage absorber 24 (A₂) and generator 22 (G₂), and loop 31 between third stage absorber 34 (A₃) and generator 32 (G₃). Heat exchangers 18, 28, and 38 in each of the aforesaid working fluid loops heat the relatively dilute salt solution pumped from the absorbers to the generators, and cool The relatively concentrated solution directed from the generator back to the absorber. The specific fluid loop couplings between the absorbers and generators are not limited to those as shown and any absorber could be coupled with any generator. Moreover, any of the three evaporators E₁, E₂ and E₃ could communicate independently with condenser C₁, or could be coupled together, as shown.
The generator/condenser heat couplings are quite important in the systems of the invention since the efficiency of a cycle depends substantially on effective heat transfer to the lower stages. Accordingly, it may be advantageous to use a heat transfer fluid loop 41 in which a heat transfer fluid is routed for being successively heated by medium stage condenser C₂ followed by high temperature condenser C₃, and successively cooled by generator G₂ and generator G₁. Excess heat available from heating means for driving generator G₃ may also be introduced into the fluid loop by heat exchange conduit 43.
The operating temperatures of third temperature stage generator G₃ are higher than temperatures currently used in double effect equipment. While direct fired high temperature generator heating may be more economical, occurrence of hot spots on the generator surface in contact with the absorption fluid are to be avoided to prevent corrosion acceleration and an increase in material incompatibility. Accordingly, indirect heating whereby burner flames are not in contact with the high temperature generator, such as using a phase change or pumped fluid loop, may be preferred. Moreover, regardless of the method of heating generator G₃, any remaining energy or sensible heat below G₃ temperature which is unavailable for heating generator G₃, is advantageously used for combustion air pre-heating, or, for being directed to one or both of the lower stage generators. Thus, if a pumped fluid loop is used to provide generator G₃ with energy, it may be combined with a pumped loop linking the lower generators and condensers, as previously described, or combined to link one of the communicating condenser/generator components, leaving the other generator/condenser set with an individual heat transfer loop. Moreover, although it is thermodynamically disadvantageous to operate a fluid loop at lower temperatures than necessary with heat transfer fluid reheating requirements using high second law availability heat, for example, gas combustion heat or high pressure steam, the aforesaid loop routing may simplify hardware needs and pump requirements and therefore have a cost advantage. Excess heat may also be used to provide hot water heating as commonly provided in current chiller-heater systems.
The absorber and evaporator portions of the systems of the invention may either be single or multiple units, respectively. The use of multiple evaporators and multiple absorbers as illustrated in the apparatus of Fig. 5 and the cycle diagram of Fig. 3 is particularly advantageous if fluid crystallization limits endanger safe operation of the cycle in the liquid solution field. In the embodiments illustrated, the salt concentration increases as the temperature level increases. Thus, salt concentration of absorber A₃ is low compared to absorber A₂, which is also relatively low compared to absorber A₁. Likewise, the respective absorber operating temperatures are also higher in the higher concentration absorbers. Additionally, the evaporators are operated at different temperatures, with the highest temperature evaporator E₁ cooperating with absorber A₁ handling the highest absorbent concentration fluid, and similarly, the lower temperature evaporators accordingly communicating with the more dilute solution absorbers. The use of different evaporator temperatures, typically in the range of about 3°C to 16°C (37°F to 60°F), requires proper routing of the heat transfer fluid used to provide cooling to the load. For example, if a building is cooled with a cold water distribution system, often referred to as chilled water loop, the return flow heated by the building load first enters the highest temperature evaporator heat exchanger, and is then routed to successively lower temperature evaporators. Although the system of the invention incorporates up to three evaporators, other apparatus configurations using different absorber/evaporator pairs may be used without increasing the number of generators by using more than one evaporator to communicate with a generator via one or more absorbers. However, excessive equipment costs may dictate a practical limit to be reached with two to three evaporator temperature levels. The system shown may also be modified by providing direct flow between C₁ and either or both evaporators E₂ and E₃ rather than only with E₁. It may also be advantageous to operate multiple evaporators at substantially the same temperature if component location in the equipment is an important factor, which may be particularly advantageous in multi-zone buildings with substantially the same working temperature requirements. Moreover, the use of multiple absorbents is not limited to absorber operation with different absorbent concentrations or different operating pressures or different operating temperatures.
Because a single refrigerant is used in the system of the present invention, a substantial variation in proportions of fluid flow between the generators and the one or more absorbers is available, with different flow selection options available depending on the operating conditions, loads and specific temperatures encountered. For example, the high temperature generator G₃ may generate sufficient refrigerant to condense at C₃ such that the latter can feed G₂ as well as portions of G₁ requirements. Moreover, if C₃ energy is insufficient to drive generator G₂ alone, flue gas from the combustion system, or heat transfer medium passing through generator G₃ exhaust may be used. The aforesaid configurations are understood to be only examples of different types of various design options and are not intended to limit The scope of the invention.
Fig. 6 illustrates a system using a single absorbent fluid loop with three absorbers, communicating in series. The advantage of this apparatus configuration over that shown in Fig. 5 is the requirement for only a single absorption fluid loop pump. With the three absorbers coupled in series along The single absorption fluid loop, as shown, the salt concentration is successively decreased between A₁, A₂ and A₃. Another useful alternative is to connect the three absorbers in parallel using a conduit from each absorber drawing absorption fluid concurrently from all three absorbers to a single pump supplying, the fluid to G₃. Again, although three evaporators are shown, only one or two need to be used, as well as their coupling options, as previously explained. For a loop that has to operate directly between one or more absorbers and a third stage generator, a two stage pump, or two single stage pumps operating in series, may be desirable because of the higher than usual pressure different between those components.
Fig. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the system of the invention in which the absorption fluid flow is routed successively through generators G₁, G₂, and G₃ starting with the lowest absorbent concentration leading to the highest concentration using a solution loop 44 and requiring three pimps 45, 46 and 47 in the loop between the single absorber and all three generators. Alternatively, two absorbers may be used with a single solution loop feeding generator G₁, operating in parallel with similar refrigerant concentrations. In such a system, one evaporator for the two or more absorbers or two evaporators for two or three absorbers, or one evaporator for each of the absorbers, may be used. Thus, regardless of the number of absorbers, two or three loops, with two or three pumps, may be used, such that each generator is fed with its individual solution flow, or two loops may be used for three generators, or the return flows combined.
Fig. 8 illustrates yet another useful apparatus configuration using a single absorber and a single pump 45 for absorption fluid loop 44. Figs. 9 - 11 are simplified illustrations of other fluid loop alternatives. In Figs. 9 and 10, a single absorber and single fluid loop is provided, while in Fig. 11, two absorbers are used with two fluid loops. The fluid loop solution heat exchangers have not been shown, for simplicity, nor have the condensers, which cooperate with each generator, nor the evaporator(s). Splitting the aqueous solution circuits has the advantage that the refrigerant concentration change generated in each generator can be designed for being optimized for each stage and does not have to take into consideration other design criteria. Figs. 9-11 illustrate different embodiments of splitting the solution circuits. In Fig. 9, the fluid is routed such that it is directed from the absorber to generator G₂ prior to G₃, which has the advantage that a heat and mass transfer additive present in the solution, which is possibly not stable at generator G₃ temperatures, can be easily flushed off or separated in generator G₂. However, such an option requires an additional pump for the solution to generator G3, which operates at a higher pressure. Yet another alternative is illustrated in Fig. 10 in which the solution is pumped from the absorber first to generator G₂, and then successively to G₁ and then finally to G₃. Yet another alternative is illustrated in Fig. 11, in which two absorbers A₁ and A₂ are used, each having a separate circuit 33 and 35, respectively, for directing working fluid to and from three generators G₁, G₂ and G₃. Again, the flows between the generators may be selected such that the solution may be routed through the three generators, and split between the two absorbers.
Fig. 12 illustrates another apparatus alternative using two absorption fluid loops and two absorbers, A₁, which feeds intermediate and low stage generators G₂ and G₁ along a first loop, and A₂ feeding high temperature generator G₃ along a second loop. The temperature ranges of the absorbers may overlap as illustrated by The dotted lines between the absorbers. One or two evaporators may be used in such a configuration. By proper use of evaporator/absorber pairing the Δ P, i.e., the evaporator pressure minus the absorber pressure, will be sufficient to result in a relatively rapid sorption at low salt concentration, with the advantage that the need for a heat and mass transfer additive may not be required in the high temperature loop. A second evaporator may also be used, as shown with high pressure evaporator E_H feeding A₂ and low pressure evaporator E_L feeding A₁. It should also be appreciated that the specific absorber-generator absorption fluid loops shown illustrates only one example of such a loop, and a number of other combinations of absorber-generator, two loop configurations evident to those skilled in the art may be used. Fig. 5 and 12 show embodiments using separate solution loops. Such configurations can take advantage of the conon refrigerant, water, and the separate solution cycles by using different absorbents or different absorbent concentrations in different solution cycles. The cycle of Fig. 12, if operated with two evaporators and two absorbers can take advantage of using the higher temperature evaporator in conjunction with the absorber connected to the high temperature generator G₃ such that the absorbent concentration in its solution is relatively low, the operating and differential pressure between this evaporator and absorber is relatively high, and resulting heat and mass transfer in the absorber is improved, and may eliminate the need for a heat and mass transfer additive in the high temperature solution cycle. It is known that such conditions yield higher absorber heat and mass transfer rates. In general, separate solution loops allow for use of different absorbents or different absorbent concentrations as long as the same refrigerant is used.
Solution heat exchange may be accomplished with conventional tube or plate heat exchangers and maximum efficiency reached by optimizing the temperature approach between entering and exiting solutions. It will be understood that in any of The system configurations within the invention, such a solution heat exchange between the generators and absorber or absorbers is to be used. If multiple absorption fluid loops are used, solution heat exchange may not be limited to heat exchange within each loop, but may incorporate energy exchange between different fluid loops. For example, high temperature fluid heats lower loop fluid after the higher temperature fluid performs its main function to preheat The medium temperature fluid. Excess heat may be available from cost driven design trade-offs in the solution heat exchangers as well as from the difference in specific heat capacity and mass flow between the concentrated and dilute refrigerant solutions entering or exiting the generators, respectively, as well as the exit generator temperatures.
As previously described, a single refrigerant, water, is used in the aqueous absorption fluid throughout the apparatus of the invention, regardless of the absorber-generator groupings or absorber fluid loop or loops and is used in all stages of the triple effect cycle carried out in the system. However, different salts or combination of salts, or different concentrations of the sane salts, can be used in the different fluid loops. The aqueous absorption fluids which may be used in the present invention comprise aqueous solutions of LiBr, LiCl, LiI, LiNO₂, LiCNS, and LiClO₃ and mixtures thereof. Preferred fluids operating in the high stage generator comprise LiBr - LiCNS, LiBr - LiI, LiBr - LiClO₃, LiBr - LiNO₂, LiCl - LiI, LiCl - LiNO₂ and LiCl - LiClO₃. Other useful fluids are aqueous mixtures of one of the group LiBr, LiCl and LiI, together with a second salt of the group Ni(NO₃)₂, CaBr₂, FeCl₂ and MnI₂. Another useful salt group is ZnBr₂ combined with CaBr₂. Suitable concentrations of LiBr, LiCl or their mixtures are between about 58% and about 68% ± 2%, by weight, while in the third stage, a lower concentration of LiBr, about 55% or less, is used. The remaining salts may be used in any stage in concentrations of between about 40% up to about 75%. However, the high concentration will be limited by the salt crystallization limit. Yet another useful salt group comprises NaOH, KOH, or mixtures thereof. Suitable concentrations of about 40% up to the crystallization limit may be used, and where mixtures are used, relative proportions of between 40% and 60% NaOH and 60-40% KOH respectively, are preferred. Where LiBr, LiCl or mixtures thereof are used in stage one or in stages one and two, in stage three, a lower concentration of LiBr, or any of the other described salts or combinations are preferred.
Lithium corrosion inhibitors are especially useful with the aforesaid lithium salt compositions. Suitable corrosion inhibitors, include for example, lithium molybdate, lithium nitrate or lithium chromate. Ph adjustments may be made, for example, using LiOH. Because of the high temperatures and salt concentrations of the absorption fluids in the third stage generator it may be desirable to use corrosion resistant components or materials. Thus, for example, nickel-chromium alloys or nickel-copper or other non-ferrous alloys for construction of the high stage generator are preferred.
It is also desirable to use heat and mass transfer additives in the aqueous absorption fluids. Particularly useful additives include alcohols having between about 6 and about 10 carbon atoms, for example, 2-ethylhexanol and n-octanol. Aliphatic and aromatic saints such as nonylamine or benzylamine or its derivatives may also be used. Effective concentration ranges are from about 10 parts per million up to about 2000 ppm. It is desirable to separate the heat and mass transfer additive from the aqueous absorption fluid prior to entering the third stage generator. The heat and mass transfer additives are only slightly soluble or are insoluble in the aqueous salt solutions, and thus form a second phase, typically floating on the heavier aqueous solution highly desirable in the absorber(s). However, because these additives are not normally stable at high temperature generator temperatures, the use of a mechanical separator or skimmer, or other means for separating these heat and mass transfer additives prior to entry into the high temperature generator is desirable. For example, in Fig. 7, a mechanical skimmer 40 is illustrated which provides such separation where the aqueous solution is directed from lower temperature generators to high temperature generator G₃. Alternatively, such separation may be achieved by providing an accumulation chamber which avoids solution pumping from the surface where the heat and mass transfer additive collects. Another means for separating the additive is by use of a flash chamber in the lower temperature generator G₂, or in such a chamber located along the fluid loop prior to entering the high temperature generator. For example, observing also Figs. 9 - 11, by routing the absorption fluid such that it passes through generator G₂ prior to G₃, has the advantage that the heat and mass transfer additive can be easily flushed off from generator G₂. This option, however, does require an additional pump for pumping solution to generator G₃ which operates at higher pressure. Regardless of the type of separator used, it should preferably reduce the amount of additive present in the aqueous absorption fluid to about or substantially to the solubility limit of the additive. Means should also be provided for returning the separated additive into the fluid in or just prior to entry into the absorber. Thus, as shown in Fig. 12, the separator 50 may be provided with a return conduit 51 for supplying the additive separated from the fluid prior to entry into the high stage generator G₃ back to the loop after it leaves G₃.
It may also be desirable to incorporate a conventional purger in the system of the invention, for removing air or other non-condensable gases in the aqueous absorption fluid loop. Such equipment and its use in absorption systems is well known to those skilled in the art. The systems may also be designed using a beat and mass additive transfer reservoir and means for introducing the additive into the absorber(s). Because of gradual decomposition of the additive over time, means for periodically injecting a metered replacement amount of the additive to maintain suitable concentrations in the fluid in or prior to the absorber(s) will also be preferred. This requires that the heat and mass transfer additive decomposition products are purgable as is the case, for example, with 2-ethylhexanol.
Suitable heat transfer fluids used for heat transfer between components of the apparatus include water, heat transfer oil, Dowtherm® fluids, water/glycol mixtures, etc. If the high temperature generator is steam fired, the condensate may be used for heating purposes at lower temperatures in the system.
The significant advantage of the cycle and system of the present invention is in the requirement of only a single refrigerant allowing for heat transfer and mass exchange coupling. The result is that no working fluid is required having an evaporator/absorber temperature lift of 72 deg C (130°F) from about 10°C (50°F) evaporator temperature to about 82°C (180°F) solution equilibrium temperature. Moreover, the lowest useful operating temperature will be lower than required in a dual loop cycle since the temperature spread required between condenser and generator is proportional to the spread between the evaporator and absorber. Moreover, the highest temperature stage portion of the present invention operates with conventional evaporator/absorber temperature lifts of between about 25 deg C (45°F) and about 50 deg C (90°F), and the highest stage condensing temperature needs only to be sufficient to drive the second stage generator, which could operate as low as 149°C (300°F). Such conditions lead to minimal generator temperature requirements for the third stage of between about 199°C and 216°C (390°F and 420°F), depending on operating conditions and heat exchange surfaces used, which is lower than expected for a dual loop triple effect system which is currently estimated to be between about 227°C and 238°C (440°F and 460°F) at the lowest. These as well as other advantages of the system will be evident to those skilled in the art.

Claims

A triple effect absorption cycle apparatus, comprising:

first, second and third generators (G1,G2, G3) each containing an aqueous absorption fluid and operating at successively higher temperatures, respectively;

first, second and third condensers (C1, C2, C3) operating at successively higher temperatures, respectively, and operatively communicating with said first, second and third generators (G1, G2, G3), respectively;

first heat exchange means co-operating between said third condenser (C3) and said second generator (G2), and between said second condenser (C2) and said first generator (G1), for directing energy therebetween;

one, two or three absorbers (A1, A2, A3) and one, two or three fluid loops (11, 21, 31) co-operating therewith for directing aqueous absorption fluid between at least one of said one, two or three absorbers (A1, A2, A3) and any one or more of said first, second and third generators (G1, G2, G3), at least one of said fluid loops including a an indirect solution heat exchanger (18, 28, 38) for exchanging thermal energy between aqueous absorption fluid flows directed along said fluid loop between the respective absorber and generator; and

one, two or three evaporators (E1, E2, E3) operatively communicating with said one, two or three absorbers (A1, A2, A3), respectively, and

operative means connecting said third, second and first condensers for directing condensed water refrigerant successively therethrough.
The apparatus of Claim 1, comprising two or three absorbers (A1, A2, A3) co-operating with said one, two or three fluid loops for directing aqueous absorption fluid between said two or three absorbers and said first, second and third generators (G1, G2, G3); and

two or three evaporators (E1, E2, E3) and operative connection means therebetween for directing refrigerant therebetween, said two or three evaporators operatively communicating with said two or three absorbers, respectively.
The apparatus of Claim 2, including operative means connecting said first condenser (C1) with any one or all of said two or three evaporators (E1, E2, E3) for directing condensed refrigerant thereto.
The apparatus of Claim 2, wherein said two or three evaporators (E1, E2, E3) and said two or three absorbers (A1, A2, A3) are used at different operating temperatures, wherein the salt concentration of the aqueous absorption fluid is successively greater in said two absorbers, or in said three absorbers, respectively, and wherein the highest temperature evaporator (E1) is in operative communication with the absorber containing the aqueous absorption fluid having the greatest absorbent salt concentration.
The apparatus of Claim 2 including operative means connecting said first condenser (C1) with any one or all of said two or three evaporators (E1, E2, E3) for directing condensed refrigerant thereto.
The apparatus of Claim 2 wherein each of said two or three absorbers (A1, A2, A3) includes means capable of rejecting heat of absorption at temperatures less than the operating temperature of the lowest operating temperature generator (G1).
The apparatus of Claims 2-6 wherein said refrigerant is directed successively from the highest temperature evaporator (E1) to the lowest temperature evaporator (E2, E3) of said two or three evaporators.
The apparatus of claims 1-7 wherein said aqueous absorption fluid in each of said fluid loops, respectively, comprises an aqueous salt solution of one of the following group of salts:

(a) LiNO₂, LiCNS, LiClO₃, LiI and mixtures thereof;

(b) LiBr, LiCl or LiI, and a salt selected from Ni(NO₃)₂, CaBr₂, FeCl₂ and MnI₂;

(c) a mixture of ZnBr₂ and CaBr₂;

(d) NaOH, KOH, and mixtures thereof; or

(e) LiNO₂, LiCNS, LiClO₃ or LiI, and mixtures thereof with LiBr, LiCl or mixtures thereof.
The apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein said first heat exchange means includes a heat transfer loop (41) for directing a heat transfer fluid successively from said third condenser (C3), to said second generator (G2), to said first generator (G1), to said second condenser (C2) and returned to said third condenser (C3).
The apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein said aqueous absorption fluid includes a heat and mass transfer additive therein comprising an alcohol having between about 6 and about 10 carbon atoms, or an aliphatic or aromatic amine, and wherein said apparatus includes separation means (40, 50) cooperating with said fluid loop directing said aqueous absorption fluid to said third generator (G3) for separating said heat and mass transfer additive from said aqueous absorption fluid before it enters said third generator (G3).
The apparatus of Claim 10, wherein said heat and mass transfer additive is slightly soluble or substantially insoluble in said aqueous absorption fluid and has a lower density than water, and wherein said separation means comprises a skimmer (40) for separating said additive floating on the surface of said aqueous absorption fluid.
The apparatus of Claim 10, wherein said separation means comprises a flash chamber for flashing said heat and mass transfer additive from said aqueous absorption fluid.
The apparatus of Claim 10, wherein said separation means comprises said second generator (G2) operating at a temperature sufficient to flash off said heat and mass transfer additive from said aqueous absorption fluid.
The apparatus of Claim 10, wherein said third stage generator (G3) is at least partly constructed of a nickel-chromium or nickel-copper alloy.
The apparatus of Claim 14, wherein the aqueous absorption fluid comprises LiBr, LiCl or mixtures thereof.
The apparatus of Claim 10, including a reservoir (50) containing said heat and mass transfer additive, wherein said reservoir is in communication with one or more said fluid loops for directing said heat and mass transfer additive to said one or more fluid loops before said aqueous absorption fluid enters said one, two or three absorbers (A1, A2, A3).
The apparatus of Claim 16, wherein said aqueous absorption fluid comprises LiBr, LiCl, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the concentration of said heat and mass transfer additive in said high temperature generator is substantially the same or less than the solubility limit of said additive in said aqueous absorption fluid.
The apparatus of claim 10, including purging means cooperating with one or more of said fluid loops for removing heat and mass transfer additive purgeable decomposition products from said aqueous absorption fluid.
The apparatus of Claim 10, wherein said separation means (50) includes conduit (51) means for returning separated heat and mass transfer additives to said aqueous absorption fluid after it leaves said third generator.
The apparatus of Claim 1 including combustion air heating means for heating said third generator (G3), and means for directing excess heat from said combustion air heating for combustion air pre-heating.
The apparatus of Claim 1, including combustion air heating means for heating said third generator (G3) and wherein said first heat exchange means includes means for thermally linking said third generator heating means in fluid heat transfer communication for directing exhaust heat to one or both of said first and second generators (G1, G2).
The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein one of said fluid loops directs said aqueous absorption fluid from one of said absorbers (A) to said third generator (G3), and including two single stage pumps or a two stage pump for pumping said fluid from said absorber (A) to said third generator (G3).
The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said aqueous absorption fluid in all of said fluid loops comprises an aqueous solution of the same salt composition.
The apparatus of Claim 9, including combustion air heating means for heating said third generator (G3) and wherein said heat transfer loop includes means for thermally linking said third generator heating means in fluid heat transfer communication with said heat transfer loop for directing exhaust heat to one or both of said first and second generators (G1, G2).
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said fluid loop operatively connects said first, second and third generators (G1, G2, G3) in series, and pump means (45) cooperating therebetween for successively directing said aqueous absorption fluid therebetween.
The apparatus of Claim 25, comprising two absorbers (A1, A2), wherein the salt concentration of the aqueous absorption fluid in the second of said absorbers (A2) is greater than the first of said absorbers (A1), and wherein one of said fluid loops connects said second absorber (A2) to said third generator (G3) for directing aqueous absorption fluid thereto.
The apparatus of Claim 25, wherein one of said fluid loops connects said first absorber (A1) to said second generator (G2) for directing aqueous absorption fluid thereto.
The apparatus of Claim 25, comprising two absorbers (A1, A2), wherein the salt concentration of the aqueous absorption fluid in the second of said absorbers (A2) is greater than in the first of said absorbers (A1), and wherein one of said loops connects said second absorber (A2) to said second generator (G2) for directing aqueous absorption fluid thereto.
The apparatus of Claim 2, wherein said fluid loop connecting said second absorber (A2) to said second generator (G2) also connects said second generator (G2) to said third generator (G3), and said third generator (G3) to said second absorber (A2).
The apparatus of Claim 1, including a fluid loop for directing aqueous absorption fluid from said first absorber (A1) to said first generator (G1).
The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said fluid loop is operatively connected to said generators (G1, G2, G3) for directing said aqueous absorption fluid successively from said first generator (G1) to said second generator (G2), and from said second generator to said third generator (G3).
The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said aqueous absorption fluid comprises LiBr, LiCl, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the concentration of said heat and mass transfer additive in said high temperature generator (G3) is substantially the same as the solubility limit of said additive in said aqueous absorption fluid.
The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein one of said fluid loops directs said aqueous absorption fluid from one of said absorbers to said third generator (G3), and including two single stage pumps or a two stage pump for pumping said fluid from said absorber to said third generator (G3).
The apparatus of Claim 1 comprising:

one or more first absorbers (A1) cooperating with one or more first fluid loops for supplying aqueous absorption fluid to said first and second generators (G1, G2), and one or more second absorbers (A2) cooperating with one or more second fluid loops for supplying aqueous absorption fluid to said third generator (G3).
The apparatus of Claim 34, wherein said aqueous absorption fluid in said one or more first absorbers (A1) comprises LiBr, LiCl or mixtures thereof, and wherein said aqueous absorption fluid in said one or more second absorbers (A2) comprises an aqueous solution of LiBr at a concentration of about 55% or less, or comprises an aqueous solution of one of the following groups of salts:

(a) LiCl, LiNO₂, LiCNS, LiClO₃, LiI and mixtures thereof;

(b) LiBr, LiCl or LiI, and a salt selected from Ni (NO₃)₂, CaBr₂, FeCl₂ and MnI₂;

(c) a mixture of ZnBr₂ and CaBr₂;

(d) NaOH, KOH, and mixtures thereof; or

(e) LiNO₂, LiCNS, LiClO₃, or LiI, and mixtures thereof, with LiBr, LiCl or mixtures thereof.
The apparatus of Claim 34, wherein the aqueous absorption fluid supplied to said first and second generators (G1, G2) comprises an aqueous composition of a first salt composition, and wherein the aqueous absorption fluid supplied to said third generator (G3) comprises an aqueous composition of a second salt composition.
The apparatus of Claim 34, wherein the aqueous absorption fluid supplied to said first and second generators (G1, G2) comprises an aqueous solution of a salt composition having a first salt concentration in said one or more first absorbers (A1) and wherein the aqueous absorption fluid supplied to said third generator (G3) comprises an aqueous solution of said salt composition having a second salt concentration in said one or more second absorbers (A2).
The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein one of said fluid loops is operatively connected to said generators (G1, G2, G3) for directing said aqueous fluid successively from said second generator (G2) to said third generator (G3), and from said third generator to said first generator (G1).
The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein one said fluid loops is operatively connected to said generators (G1, G2, G3) for directing said aqueous fluid successively from said second generator (G2) to said first generator (G1), and from said first generator to said third generator (G3).